Hello, fellow passionate ELA educator! As a middle school teacher, you’re always searching for fresh ways to inspire your students’ love of reading and literature. J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit is a treasure trove of adventure, fantasy, and rich linguistic history, making it a perfect fit. But how can we make this 1937 classic resonate with today’s young readers? Let’s explore two captivating aspects that can spark your students’ imagination: the magical runes and the legendary Inklings.
1. Let’s Start with Runes: A Creative Kickoff
Tolkien’s fascination with ancient scripts leaps off the pages of The Hobbit, where the runic alphabet plays a pivotal role. This is a great entry point for capturing your students’ curiosity.
Imagine opening the first page and deciphering those mysterious runes! Here’s how you can make it an exciting experience:
- Delve into History: Teach students about the historical use of runes in Norse and Anglo-Saxon cultures, adding depth to Tolkien’s narrative.
- Tolkien’s Craft: Discuss how Tolkien incorporated runes into his world to create authenticity and enrich the storytelling.
Now, challenge your students to inscribe their own names using Tolkien’s runic script:
- Provide them with a chart of Tolkien’s runic alphabet, as the one below.
- Encourage them to write secret messages and translate phrases. This hands-on activity promotes creativity and strengthens linguistic skills.
Why does this matter? Hands-on engagement helps deepen students’ appreciation for language and history, making the learning process more interactive and enjoyable.
2. The Inklings: Myths and Camaraderie
Now that the magic of runes has sparked their interest, it’s time to introduce your students to the Inklings—a group of literary minds who shaped Tolkien’s creative world.
Picture this: a cozy Oxford pub where writers like Tolkien and C.S. Lewis met weekly to discuss stories and share ideas. This was no ordinary club—it was a blend of friendship and literary passion, which greatly influenced The Hobbit.
- Beyond a Literary Club: The Inklings weren’t just about academics or writing critique. They cultivated a bond that combined personal camaraderie with literary exploration. These meetings were informal, fostering an atmosphere where ideas flowed freely and deeply.
- Shared Love for Myths: Despite their varied backgrounds, the Inklings were united by their love for myths and storytelling. They believed that myths carried profound truths that shined through the fantasy. This belief is reflected in the mythological richness of Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
How did this influence The Hobbit? Tolkien’s world-building was deeply enriched by these exchanges, infusing his work with mythical layers and timeless themes.
A Deeper Dive: Unraveling Their Legacy
Help your students understand the impact of the Inklings on The Hobbit by:
Bringing It All Together
Introducing The Hobbit isn’t just about reading a book—it’s about sparking a passion for storytelling, discovery, and relationships. Guide your students into the world of runes and pub discussions to begin this literary adventure!
An Interesting Idea, but… I Don’t Have Time!
We understand! Teachers’ time is precious, and planning creative lessons can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created resources to support you. If you’re looking to introduce your students to the novel using runes and the Inklings, but need some high-quality, visually appealing, and easy-to-follow materials to help you out, check out this our detailed presentation!
It is just a click away on TPT:
Thanks for joining us on this adventure!
Happy teaching and may your classrooms resonate with the echoes of Middle Earth’s wonders!
Chiara